Illinois VLTs Take In $458 Million During First Six Months

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- The state's operator-run video lottery program, which went live Oct. 9 with only a handful of terminals, took in an estimated $458.3 million in bets during its first six months. Of this, more than $422 million was paid to winners under the 2009 Video Gaming Act's 80% payout requirement, said the Illinois Gaming Board.

Of the remainder after paying winners, about $7.3 million is expected to go to state and local governments, representing a 30% tax rate. Operators are expected to keep some $36.4 million of net income, according to local media outlets. | SEE STORY

More than 4,400 VLTs were operating as of March 7, IGB officials said.